A diagnosis of a terminal or life limiting illness can lead to uncertainty in many areas of your life and when you are told you have a serious illness it can be a time of great distress for you, your family and loved ones. Coming to terms with this can be extremely hard for all involved. The emotional, financial and practical impact is huge and you might feel like you’re struggling to cope.
We have a range of information and support services available to help you cope – all accessed through our Support Line free phone number 0808 808 1010.
Practical advice and support when you’ve been given a terminal or life limiting diagnosis
Support Line
A cancer diagnosis can knock you sideways and it’s easy to leave the hospital or doctor’s surgery and realise you didn’t really take it all in. This is where our Support Line can help – please ring our Support Line to speak with a member of the nursing team.
When you’ve got questions and concerns, simply pick up the phone and call free on 0808 808 1010 or use our Ask the Nurse form to put your thoughts down in writing.
Cancer Callback
Sometimes it’s nice to have some extra support as you go through treatment. Which is why we don’t just wait for the phone to ring. Our nurses can provide that extra support you during your treatment and beyond with regular calls through our Cancer Callback service. You’ll get a series of regular calls from one of our dedicated nurses who can answer questions and offer advice about absolutely anything to do with your diagnosis or treatment.
Financial support
When you or a loved one have received a terminal or life limiting diagnosis, it’s important to make sure you’re on top of your finances, and aware of what’s coming in, and what’s going out.
Grants and benefits
Our team of Benefits Advisors can explain what financial support is available, and guide you through the complex benefits system. Contact our Advice Team through our free Support Line on 0808 808 1010 or through our Ask the Advisor form.
Practical matters
A terminal or life limiting diagnosis can be overwhelming for both you and your family. But talking about what you want to happen, and how, can help you come to terms with what’s happening, and make sure big decisions are made together. Our Advisors can help guide you through the choices that need to be made, and tell you about other help and support available.
Emotional wellbeing when you get a terminal diagnosis
When you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal or life limiting cancer it’s easy to focus on the physical, but it’s important to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing too. But taking control of your mind and emotions, and making the decision to live well, can be empowering.
You can find emotional support through The Counselling Directory which has details of local counsellors and therapists. Other websites such as mind.org.uk or dyingmatters.org also have useful information and advice.
We have services which can help you to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing at any stage of your cancer journey.
Sing with Us
Our Sing with Us choirs are for anyone affected by cancer, but many of our members are living with cancer. Whilst singing might feel like the last thing you want to do, our research has shown it can reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall wellbeing.
You don’t need to read music, or be a great singer. Just be willing to have a go and join in. There’s no commitment to come every week so if you have times you’re not feeling up to it, that’s fine. Find out more about our Sing with Us choirs.
Our research has shown that singing can have real benefits for people with cancer. Watch our video to find out more about the science behind singing.